The Bar Council of India (BCI) is the statutory body that regulates the legal profession and legal education in India.
Bar Council of India — key points
- Established: Under the Advocates Act, 1961
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Main role: Regulates advocates and standards of legal education in India.
- Members: Representatives elected from the various State Bar Councils, along with the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General as ex-officio members.
- Important functions:
- Lays down standards of professional conduct and etiquette for advocates.
- Protects the rights and interests of advocates.
- Supervises and regulates State Bar Councils.
- Recognizes law degrees and law colleges for enrolment purposes.
- Conducts/oversees the All India Bar Examination (AIBE).
- Makes rules regarding legal education and professional standards.
- Maintains standards of professional discipline.
BCI vs State Bar Council
Bar Council of India State Bar Council National-level body State-level body Regulates the legal profession nationally Enrols advocates in the state Sets professional and educational standards Handles state-level advocate matters Supervises State Bar Councils Works under the Advocates Act and BCI rules Conducts/oversees AIBE Processes enrolment and related matters.
